Southern Scenic Route and Stewart Island

Route

Highlights

Best time of year

Ever wondered what it’s like to go to the end of the road? Discover New Zealand’s “Deep South” where nature lies untouched, where the locals roll their ‘r’s and the oysters are to die for. This week-long journey winds through untouched fiords, windswept fishing towns and down to New Zealand's southernmost island.

Te Anau makes a beautiful base from which to explore Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park

Photo by Destination Fiordland

Day 1 / 7

Queenstown - Te Anau

2hrs

6mins

175km

109mi

There is absolutely no doubt that you’ll enjoy every minute of this drive from Queenstown to Kingston, with lake and mountain views unfolding as you skirt Lake Wakatipu beneath the towering Remarkables. As the shores of Lake Wakatipu fade into the distance, the vast Pacific Ocean waits ahead. But don’t rush yourself - put time aside to discover magnificent Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. Short walking tracks dot the shoreline as you head into Te Anau township - exploring on foot is often one of the best ways to take in the sheer beauty of this area.

Te Anau is the perfect starting point to experience the grandeur of Milford Sound. Enjoy a delicious dinner before heading back to your accommodation for the night, ready for a day out on a boat cruise exploring tomorrow.